Front Struts Completed - DIY advice - Saab 9-5 Bulletin Board - Saabnet.com
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Front Struts Completed - DIY advice
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Posted by Wisaabi (more from Wisaabi) on Sun, 1 Aug 2010 00:08:48 Share Post by Email
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I finally got around to installing the struts that I got from Rockauto (since rec'd discount code to share of 36930653039381 for 5% off orders until 9/26). I got the spring compressor and thought I was all set until I ran into snags that were figured out via a searching online.

First use some penetrating oil on all nuts - I sprayed on the day before I started and let sit. I know that helped.

1. Brake line clip - just pull the little tab attached behind the bracket towards the front of the car - pops off.
2. Sway bar nut - need to use a 17mm wrench behind the strut bracket.
3. Bottom bolt that attaches wheel hub to the strut - hammered on w/ rubber mallet to no avail - then loosened the upper bolt and unbolted the top bolts to drop the assembly. Only then did the bottom bolt loosen enough to take out. An 18mm deep socket helps.
4. Once I had the strut assembly out, I compressed the spring and tried for 20 min to take the top nut out with 21mm socket - vice grips didn't hold onto the damper cylinder well enough. I didn't have the special tool to turn the nut while holding the rod steady. I ended up buying an impact wrench that really did the trick. As Fixmysaab notes, the wrench turns the nut faster than the cylinder, so it loosens like magic.

I reassembled with the new struts and test drove - was like a new car! Old struts were completely shot (106K). All and all, it probably took 4 hours of actual time spent - my next strut change should take about 90 min.

Thanks again to this board and links to helpful sites - I saved enough on this job for a cheap vacation. Next job is the rear shocks.



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